The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) today hailed the action by the Western Governors’ Associationtelling Congress to extend the Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind energy before it expires at the end of December.

In a letter to the U.S. Senate and House leadership, the governors warned that part of their states’ diverse energy portfolio is at risk with the expiration of the PTC.

“Today we urge you to extend the PTC. Extending the credit now is critical to maintain and increase U.S. manufacturing jobs given that any continued policy uncertainty results in developers stopping turbine orders for installation beyond 2012. In turn, the uncertainty and lack of supply chain orders is already causing wind manufacturing companies to layoff American workers,” the Governors said.

The Western Governors’ Association is an independent, nonprofit organization representing the governors of 19 states and three US-Flag Pacific islands.Thirteen Republican and six Democrat Governors comprise the WGA’s current membership.

Another group that is dedicated to the development of the nation’s wind energy resources is the Governors’ Wind Energy Coalition, which includes both Democratic and Republican chief executives.Republican Govs. Sam Brownback of Kansas and Terry Branstad of Iowa, among others, have been reaching out to GOP lawmakers to maintain the current level of support for an industry that provides clean, renewable energy and reduces U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

Denise Bode, CEO of AWEA, said, “Governors are on the front lines of job creation, economic growth and delivery of services that contribute to the quality of life for their citizens.They know better than anyone what’s working and what needs to be changed.The Western Governors’ ringing endorsement of PTC shows how the power of wind can unleash the power of bipartisanship.After so much division in Washington based on partisan differences, it’s important to remember that bipartisan agreement is still possible—and good for America.”